Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • There’s this wonderful character in the book, Lucky’s childhood friend [Steph].
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Toronto is a wonderful city, and this will be a Saturday night game featuring Sidney Crosby in the place for hockey.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Christina has amazing taste and loves color but also has a sense of restraint.
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026
  • For all the robots’ amazing (if unsettling) feats, let’s be real—their hijinks are too funny not to watch on repeat.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The approvals here in this state happened with astonishing speed.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Highlights include astonishing wildlife moments like orcas carrying a humpback whale calf together after separating it from its mother and the unexpected encounter between a freediver and a giant oceanic sunfish.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the next two decades, Evergrande built many of the homes, office blocks and urban structures that powered China’s miraculous economic growth.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury during the crash and was in the hospital for months, but has made a miraculous recovery.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As noted previously, this is a marvelous time to enjoy the great outdoors.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Of course those are only two of the marvelous local crops on offer at both Breezy Willow and at our two local farmers’ markets — Tiber Park in the historic district and the Miller Library.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Spread across four floors (including an incredible rooftop terrace), this is a spacious home located in the center of Essaouira’s medina and its art galleries.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Then that incredible precision vanished for an inning — and just an inning.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Paying the balance may seem like the simplest way to deal with the issue, but sending money without understanding the debt's status could have surprising consequences.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Lucky star, 68, caught up with PEOPLE about the Lucky series finale and the surprising decision that her criminal character makes during her final scenes of the Apple TV thriller.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Colorado Rockies overcame a nine-run deficit, matching the biggest rally in team history and stunning the Atlanta Braves 12-10 on Troy Tulowitzki’s go-ahead single in the eighth inning.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Options include a stunning floating breakfast, wine and cheese tastings, cooking masterclasses, and a romantic sunset dinner on an isolated sandbank.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster